What is LA Cocina Mexican Grill, Llc's health inspection score?

LA Cocina Mexican Grill, Llc has a SafeDine safety score of 80 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was LA Cocina Mexican Grill, Llc last inspected?

LA Cocina Mexican Grill, Llc was last inspected on November 25, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does LA Cocina Mexican Grill, Llc have?

LA Cocina Mexican Grill, Llc has 31 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is LA Cocina Mexican Grill, Llc safe to eat at?

LA Cocina Mexican Grill, Llc has a good safety record with a score of 80/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

LA Cocina Mexican Grill, Llc

Name: LA Cocina Mexican Grill, Llc
Address: 45 N WELLS ST, Chicago, 60606
Rating: 80

45 N WELLS ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 11/25/2025

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0Good

West Loop

Ranked #526 of 1000 in West Loop

Stable

7 inspections

Last: Nov 25, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

4.4

Avg Violations

6 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Food labeling

Food not properly labeled or dated

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-20

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-5 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-6 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+3 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

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45 N WELLS ST, Chicago, IL 60606

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Violation Timeline

May 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

1 basic

May

Jun 2023

1 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

8 basic

Jul 2023

1 inspections

3 basic

Jul

Aug 2023

1 inspections

3 basic

Aug 2024

1 inspections

1 intermediate

1 basic

Aug

Nov 2025

2 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

7 basic

Inspection History

7 records on file

2 Canvass Re-Inspection4 Canvass1 Short Form Complaint

Nov 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BEANS AND RICE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

Base deductions−11 pts

Nov 25

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High1 Med4 Basic

6 total1 risk factor

72/100inspection score

−23 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO ORIGINAL CERTIFIED MANAGER FROM 8:30AM TO 9:30AM WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN, BEEF WERE PREPARED/SERVED. AT 9:30AM CERTIFIED MANAGER FRANCISCO MORALES ARRIVED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BEANS AND RICE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
FOUND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED; SINK IS LEAKING WHEN WATER FROM ONE COMPARTMENT IS DRAINED AND WASTE WASTER IS BEEN COLLECTED WITH BUSPAN UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET DRAINAGE SYSTEM SERVICED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

Base deductions−23 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Aug 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 Med1 Basic

2 total

93/100inspection score

−7 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
Found 3 large tubs of cooked beans in walk-in in cooler with no discard date/prep date. Instructed manager to date all TCS foods that's cooked and held on site for more than 24hrs. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. 20lbs of beans discarded valued at $25.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
Food handlers with expired food handlers certificates, instructed to obtain.

Base deductions−7 pts

Aug 23

Short Form Complaint InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE/PUBLIC UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH THE COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.

Base deductions−6 pts

Jul 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE/PUBLIC UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH THE COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.

Base deductions−6 pts

Jun 23

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High1 Med8 Basic

11 total1 risk factor

54/100inspection score

−41 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING�TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS (STEAK, RICE) WITHOUT THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. THE INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND THE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING, AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN KITCHEN WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND OPERATOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTIONS A YEAR, AND THE REPORTS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE LOGBOOK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK AND PEST INSPECTION REPORTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED BOXES OF TORTILLAS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS AND STOVE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPLASHED IN THE INTERIOR OF TWO MICROWAVES LOCATED IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE/PUBLIC UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH THE COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.

Base deductions−41 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

May 22

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 Med1 Basic

2 total

93/100inspection score

−7 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (TCS): REFRIED BEANS, AND A VARIETY OF TOMATO BASED SALSAS, AND RICE HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT DISCARD DATE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE FOR ANY READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
FOUND CUTTING BOARDS WITH AN ACCUMILATION OF BLACK UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE. ALSO NOTED DEEP GROOVES THROUGHOUT ALL CUTTING SURFACES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−7 pts

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100
Excellent
70 – 84
Good
Below 70
Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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